Category: Drink

  • Stuft Pizza

    Stuft Pizza

    A desert icon since its 2004 inception, this place gets my vote for some of the absolute BEST pies in the entire valley (thin crust with pepperoni, Canadian bacon and olives is my preferred order). But there is so much more to be had here, especially the daily happy hour, hosted from 3 to 6 p.m., with offerings including Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Rib Bites and Street Tacos – all affordable and delicious. There is also a sister location in Palm Desert, but the patio at the La Quinta outpost is where it’s truly at!

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  • La Quinta Cliffhouse

    La Quinta Cliffhouse

    Securing a seat at this local favorite during happy hour (offered from 3:30 to 6 p.m. daily) is a cut-throat endeavor, to say the least! One drink in, and it won’t be hard to see why! The food is superb, the drinks well-crafted, and the ambiance unparalleled, especially on the gorgeous patio, which is literally built into the side of a mountain and boasts striking views and an open-air fireplace, perfect for those cool desert nights.

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  • Ristorante Mamma Gina

    Ristorante Mamma Gina

    Craving a $24 filet? Mamma Gina has you covered! Another Piero Pierattoni hot spot, this El Paseo eatery has been a beloved desert staple since originally opening in 1986. Other delectables on the all-night happy hour menu (offered from 4 p.m. to closing) include Salmone and Carpaccio Di Bue (at $16 and $18, respectively), with each dish more exquisite than the last. As such, it is no surprise that this place is hard to get into, but the long waits are well worth it!

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  • Piero’s PizzaVino

    Piero’s PizzaVino

    This casual spot, opened by Florence-born restauranteur Piero Pierattoni in 2011, is best known for its fab Neapolitan pizzas, but the happy hours also can’t be beat! Offering authentic Italian dishes based on Piero’s family recipes, the happy hour offerings are extensive – from pasta to pizza to appetizers, with gluten-free options, to boot! The Fried Zucchini Blossoms and Grilled Artichokes are personal favorites (and affordable at $12 each), but you can’t go wrong with any menu choice. (Happy Hour is offered all day Sunday through Thursday and from 11:30 to 4 on Fridays and Saturdays.)

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  • Mélange

    Mélange

    There’s a lakeside eatery in the midst of the Coachella Valley? Yes, indeed! And it’s a beautiful one, at that! Nestled on the grounds of the exclusive The Chateau at Lake La Quinta boutique hotel, the California fresh restaurant and lounge offers gorgeous water views and a truly unique desert experience!

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  • Adobe Grill

    Adobe Grill

    Craving drinks al fresco? Look no further than Adobe Grill. While the restaurant, which is located on the bucolic grounds of the La Quinta Resort, is also included in my dinner section, its lower patio area is reserved for cocktails and is a stunning place to grab a drink! Tucked under a canopy of palms with ample cozy seating and the desert’s neverending blue skies offering a backdrop like no other, Adobe never disappoints!

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  • Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa

    Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa

    A newer addition to the Coachella Valley hotel scene, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa was unveiled last year, along with a gorgeous signature exterior bar nestled amongst a picturesque grove of lantern-lit olive trees and a smattering of fire pits. Romantic, inviting and accented with Tommy B.’s landmark island style, this is a spot to truly kick back and watch your worries wash away.

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  • The Pink Cabana

    The Pink Cabana

    This spot, which is also included in my lunch section, is so stunningly gorgeous that the quality of drinks almost seems besides the point. Not to worry, though, the Aperol spritzes and bubbly offerings are stellar, and the Instagram opportunities endless, both inside at the brightly tiled bar and outside on the lush firepit-lit patio.

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  • The Nest

    The Nest

    The Valley truly comes alive at The Nest, a longtime area hot spot that attracts locals of all ages who dance the night away to live music until the wee hours of the morning. A scene like no other, The Nest has to be seen to be believed – if you can get in, that is. Lines are typically stretched around the joint most nights. My advice – reserve a table for dinner (the food is excellent!) and spend your post-meal hours enjoying the spectacle on the dance floor!

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  • Aquifer65

    Aquifer65

    This watering hole is located at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, the last place Frank Sinatra ever performed. Paying homage to that extraordinary milestone, the lobby bar, Aquifer65, hosts a special Sinatra Smash Happy Hour every evening at 4:05 p.m. While Sinatra tunes play in the background, a large flag featuring the Chairman of the Board’s likeness drops from above and guests are provided complimentary samplings of the establishment’s signature Sinatra Smash libation, making for a truly inspired cocktail experience!

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